Working/Functional Title

Business Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Research Technology Support Facility (RTSF) Business Operations Manager plays a critical role in supporting the financial and operational success of the unit. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff in the Office of Research and Innovation and working closely with the Director, this position is responsible for overseeing key business functions, ensuring financial sustainability, supervising staff, and fostering strong campus partnerships. A list of reporting cores and organizations can be found here: https://rtsf.natsci.msu.edu/ 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Financial Oversight & Budget Management 

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• Manage unit general fund budgets, plant accounts, and fee-for-service operations to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic goals. 

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• Ensure expense allocations align with budgets and subaccounts for tracking. 

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• Oversee accounts payable and receivable (AP/AR) processes for RTSF, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. 

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• Conduct trend analysis to ensure accurate expense tracking and forecasting. 

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• Track internal payments and analyze income sources, including identifying the percentage of income from internal and external clients.  

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• Maintain and review all CORE business plans annually. 

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• Utilize Power BI reporting and development of unit and CORE-specific reports to review monthly with Directors. 

• Strategic Planning & Profitability 

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• Develop and implement business plans to support long-term growth and operational efficiency. 

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• Provide data-driven recommendations to enhance CORE profitability and service delivery. 

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• Conduct quarterly portfolio reviews to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement. 

• Contract & Relationship Management 

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• Manage external contracts and maintain strong relationships with vendors and service providers. 

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• Serve as a liaison with faculty and campus business partners to ensure alignment with institutional policies and responsiveness to operational needs. 

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• Develop and oversee MOUs with funding partners of university investments. 

• Technology Integration 

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• Lead the integration of new software systems to improve business operations and reporting capabilities.  

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• Liaison with central offices and academic units to ensure system accuracy. 

• Staff Supervision 

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• Supervise and support administrative staff, providing guidance, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities. 

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• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that aligns with the MAU’s mission and values. 

This position has a remote work option with on-site presence anticipated for at least two days per week in East Lansing, Michigan.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in a business-related field; eight or more years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in office procedures and administration, business, and/or finance; experience in a supervisory role; experience with word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation software and/or desktop publishing, web page software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in EBS, KFS, SAP, Business Intelligence and PowerBI; excellent written and communication skills; strong financial acumen and ability to see the strategic big picture; strong knowledge of MSU policies; a self-starter whose strengths include creative thinking, problem solving, and ability to work on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline oriented environment.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three professional references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://rtsf.natsci.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends September 16, 2025, 11:55 PM